Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.
Romans 9–11 is a separate section in Paul's letter; some have even suggested that he might have included here something he'd already written. In these chapters, he's exploring what it means to be a Jew in the light of God's revelation of himself in Christ.
In chapter 9, he deals with the idea that someone could be right with God because of their biological ancestry. Not all descendants of Abraham and Isaac were the 'people of God' – only the ones God chose (verses 7,12). If this seems unfair, it's not for us to understand or criticise (verse 20).
This argument leads us to speculations about predestination and other knotty problems. But it's important not to miss the main point Paul is making. It isn't biology that counts with God, but the relationship established by faith in him.
This is not as obvious as it sounds. Many people today are converted to faith in God, but most believers are born into a community of faith. Just assuming we belong can have drawbacks as well as advantages. Yes, our characters and habits are formed in particular ways, and good foundations for our lives. But faith is personal, not just communal: it's what we believe that counts, not just what our families and friends believe. We can be absolutely sure of God's love for us and his acceptance of us, but that certainty is based on his gracious calling, not on our membership of a particular nation or race or church.
God, thank you for calling me into your great family. Let me never trust in anything but your grace to me for my salvation.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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